Germany wins World Cup after 1-0 victory over Argentina

Germany has claimed a fourth World Cup crown in a 1-0 win against Argentina after extra time in the final in Rio de Janeiro. Substitute Mario Goetze was the hero, as he scored the only goal with seven minutes to go.

With that triumph Germany has become the first European nation to win the trophy in South America, which led to jubilant scenes both on the pitch and back home, with millions of fans celebrating their feat.

However, Joachim Low’s side had to do it the hard way, as they got off to a very slow start. Argentina was by far the better side during the first half, but Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi missed two scoring opportunities. Higuain had also had a goal rightly disallowed for offside. Argentina was left to rue its wastefulness in front of goal as the match wore on and Germany began to dominate.

Fans of Germany celebrate as they watch the 2014 World Cup final between Germany and Argentina in Brazil at a public screening of the match in Berlin July 13, 2014. (Reuters / Fabian Bimmer)

Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts after losing their 2014 World Cup final against Germany at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014. (Reuters/Sergio Moraes)

Germany’s Mario Goetze celebrates his goal against Argentina infront of teammate Thomas Mueller during extra time in their 2014 World Cup final at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014. (Reuters / Dylan Martinez)

Germany’s Bastian Schweinsteiger (L) embraces coach Joachim Loew as they celebrate their win against Argentina after their 2014 World Cup final at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014. (Reuters / Michael Dalder)

Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (L) holds the Golden Glove trophy after winning their 2014 World Cup final against Argentina at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014. (Reuters / Kai Pfaffenbach)

Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer receives a hug from Chancellor Angela Merkel beside President Joachim Gauck (R) after the 2014 World Cup final between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014. (Reuters / Dylan Martinez)

Germany’s Mario Goetze kisses the World Cup trophy after the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014. (Reuters / Eddie Keogh)

Germany’s players lifts the World Cup trophy as they celebrate their 2014 World Cup final win against Argentina at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014. (Reuters / Darren Staples)